National Guard in D.C. Begins Armed Patrols

Some members of the National Guard stationed in Washington, D.C., have recently been seen carrying holstered firearms during their patrols.

A representative from the National Guard Joint Task Force mentioned that these troops, deployed at the Capitol on President Donald Trump’s orders to address rising crime, started carrying weapons as of Sunday evening. This decision followed the authorization given by the U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who signed off on it last Friday.

As part of this initiative to tackle crime, over 1,900 National Guard troops from states including Louisiana, Mississippi, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia have joined the local forces, which brings the total to more than 2,200 troops, according to Major Michael A. Maxwell.

Maxwell underlined that the service members will adhere to established guidelines regarding the use of force, stating that it’s to be used “only as a last resort and solely in response to an imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm.”

Brigadier General Leland D. Blanchard II, who serves as the Interim Commanding General of the District of Columbia National Guard, clarified that this move was made in conjunction with local and federal law enforcement and was directed by the defense secretary. He emphasized that the firearms are primarily for personal safety.

“This decision is not something taken lightly,” Blanchard remarked. “We are in coordination with our law enforcement partners and all appropriate review processes are in place.”

Some social media reactions have been lively, with people noting the troops’ new armed status and sharing sentiments about expanding such measures to other major cities.